Treatment options for pressure ulcers (sores) typically include regularly changing your position, using special mattresses to reduce or relieve pressure, and dressings to help heal the ulcer. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Changing position

Moving and regularly changing your position helps to relieve the pressure on ulcers that have already developed. It also helps prevent pressure ulcers developing.

After your care team has carried out an assessment of your risk of developing pressure ulcers, they will draw up a repositioning timetable. This states how often you need to move, or be moved if you're unable to do so yourself.

For some people, this may be as often as once every 15 minutes. Others may need to be moved only once every two to four hours.

You may also be given training and advice about:

correct sitting and lying positions

how you can adjust your sitting and lying positions

how best to support your feet to relieve pressure on your heels

any special equipment you need and how to use it

Mattresses and cushions

If you're at risk of getting pressure ulcers or have a minor ulcer, your care team will recommend a specially designed static foam or dynamic mattress.

If you have a more serious ulcer, you will require a more sophisticated mattress or bed system, such as a mattress connected to a pump that delivers a constant flow of air into the mattress itself.

There are also a range of foam or pressure-redistributing cushions available. Ask your carer about the types most suitable for you.

But according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), there's limited evidence on what kinds of pressure-redistributing devices are best for the relief and prevention of pressure ulcers in different places, such as heels or hips.

Dressings

Specially designed dressings can be used to protect pressure ulcers and speed up the healing process.

These dressings include:

alginate dressings – these are made from seaweed and contain sodium and calcium, which are known to speed up the healing process

hydrocolloid dressings – contain a special gel that encourages the growth of new skin cells in the ulcer, while keeping the surrounding healthy skin dry

other dressing types – such as foams, films, hydrofibres/gelling fibres, gels and antimicrobial (antibiotic) dressings may also be used

Ask your carer about which type of dressing they're using for the management of your pressure ulcer.

Gauze dressings aren't recommended for either the prevention or treatment of pressure ulcers.